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Garry Lyon off air to deal with 'mental health' issues

Footy Show host Garry Lyon has been stood down indefinitely to be treated for mental illness. (Video courtesy Seven News Melbourne)

It is believed the former Geelong player and Footy Show funnyman recently confronted Lyon about the situation.

Brownless and Lyon have worked together for at least 15 years. The two families had also been close, with Brownless' former wife, Nicky, and Lyon's wife, Melissa, close friends. Brownless is understood to be rocked by the situation, and believes his friendship with Lyon is all but over.

Nine said Lyon, who is also the co-host of Footy Classified, a Triple M commentator and an Age columnist, had been "suffering from a serious mental health condition". It is understood Lyon is battling depression. There is no time frame on when he would return to television.

The network's managing director, Ian Paterson, said Lyon, also a Melbourne Football Club great, had his full support.

"We are all supporting Garry and hope he will be back to good health very soon. Our priority is his wellbeing," Paterson said. "Garry has our full support. From here on, it's a private and personal matter and we ask that be respected."

The Footy Show returns next month, most likely on March 23. James Brayshaw will host the show solo until Lyon returns.

Nine said journalist Damian Barrett would fill in for Lyon on Footy Classified, which also features The Age's Caroline Wilson. Lyon will also stop providing a weekly column for The Saturday Age during his recovery.

Lyon's manager, Craig Kelly, of Elite Sports Properties, did not wish to comment on Saturday.